Tag Archives: film review

Somewhere. {Film Review}

Posted on by

Somewhere is a film that goes, well, nowhere. This is not an insult. It’s a complement. It’s a beautiful film. It’s not a good or a bad film. It is a film that is entirely depending on taste. It’s a lot like Lost In Translation. Lonely people trying to connect with each other. There is no back story to Dorff’s character. What you know is that he is rich, famous, separated and has an 11 year old daughter. Everywhere he goes there are irate women he has loved and left.

Somewhere is a very European film. The scenes are long and left to play out. There is a lot ( too much) female nudity. The opening of the film is Stephen Dorff driving around a circular track. There is one work said in the first 15 minutes. It’s full of metaphors and melancholy. The ennui of over privilege. A movie actor in an empty existence of sex, parties and alcohol. Saved, intermittently, when his daughter comes to stay.

The tangents of Sofia Coppola’s previous films are here; daddy – daughter relationships, young girl’s trying to find their way, expensive hotels, bored rich people. It is a film of human relationships. A slow burner. The performances of Ellie Fanning and Stephen Dorff are pitch perfect. It’s definitely worth seeing,

The Social Network. {Film Review}

Posted on by

It is rare that a movie is looked at as a joke, but destroys all predictions and exceeds all expectations. This movie is by far the most (unexpectedly) damn good movies of this year. Who’d thought a movie about the creator of Facebook would be this interesting?

As you can probably tell from the trailers and the poster artwork, it’s a movie about the creation of Facebook. Though that’s only the plot-device for the narrative, and is instead a character study of Mark Zuckerberg (played brilliantly by Jesse Eisenberg). The character is beautifully ironic, he creates a website for friends all over the globe to connect with each other and yet he struggles to maintain his friendship to others (as little he has). He’s more of an anti-hero, focusing on his ambitions than his personal relationships. It becomes satirical, and one of the terrific things the character has been portrayed. Supporting cast from Andrew Garfield, Armie Hammer Jr. (as identical twins) and Justin Timberlake all deliver terrific performances. Garfield brings much emotional weight to a character that has been deeply trodden on, as he slowly gets involved with deception and betrayal.

The writing for the film is absolutely fantastic. Aaron Sorkin (known for creating The West Wing) writes one of the most exciting screenplays I’ve heard in 2010. It delivers with so much wit and charm, that it’s hard not to find this compelling and absorbing. The delivery from the actors is electric. It can be hard to take all in with such a quick pace, but it adds to the character traits each person has. It also should get enormous recognition to director David Fincher. After the very well made but slightly shallow Benjamin Button, you can tell Fincher is in familiar territory. The way he inter-cuts the court cases with the story of Facebook’s creation, it makes you wanting to know what happens next. It’s something that made Zodiac so exciting and intense to watch, also a film about obsession and achieving success.

Overall; One of the top best films of 2010. A solid piece of filmmaking that drags you in from the very start. A case-study on how to produce drama in an exciting and interesting way. Predicting a strong award contender, even should get nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Director. Extremely recommended in the highest order!

5 stars!

By Owun Birkett

Tron: Legacy {Film Review}

Posted on by

It has been nearly 30 years since Tron hit the screens, which turned out to be a box-office flop (along with The Thing and Blade Runner that year) but then has become a cult-classic and has been cherished by its fans. Now we have a mega budget sequel, having to please the fans of the first film but also intriguing new fans. It is, unfortunately, not a masterpiece or anything more than just your average sci-fi/adventure movie.

The good points to this film are the visual effects. The Grid feels familiar but up-to-date with our current technology (unfortunately, Tron feels incredibly dated with its visual effects). The suits and light-cycles have been given a 2.0 upgrade, and all look relatively cool and flashy. The action sequences are well done, wide enough to see and intense without being chaotic (again, Michael Bay should take notes). The music by Daft Punk is undeniably awesome. It is atmospheric and makes the film a lot better for it. It feels retro, but being contemporary. The 3D in this movie is very well done, not poorly rendered (Clash of the Titans) or hard to watch (Alice in Wonderland) but it’s more atmospheric 3D (Avatar) and works incredibly to its advantage. The 3D only happens as soon Sam enters The Grid, with the scenes in the real world are filmed in traditional 2D format. Yet all that is far and between to what I have to bring up the bad points.

I don’t want to go into detail about the story, but it is predictable and stupid basically. There’s the Disney cliché’s of Sam growing up to be a rebel, even one night hacks into Encom and escapes by parachuting off from the roof (errrr why? wouldn’t it been better if you gone out the same way you came and not attract yourself even more?). The first film had a simple and easy to follow structure to know what was the purpose of Clu, Tron etc. In this film, however, they mention things but they don’t give enough detail exactly how or what happened (like how did the new ISOs actually exist?). If Clu and Tron are given tasks to do, then what tasks the programs in the crowd do? Olivia Wilde plays the token hot girl, given nothing to do but deliver exposition. Garrett Hedlund is not a particularly interesting protagonist, he’s just a one-dimensional character and not very developed. Michael Sheen as Castor is really wasted in this film, he absolutely chews the scenery and acts like a gay David Bowie/Billy Idol and his character is pointless (same problem I asked earlier; if he’s a program, what is his function?). The only good performance is Jeff Bridges, though he plays him like The Dude in The Big Lebowski. The CGI effects for the young Jeff Bridges/Clu is really off-putting. It’s the definition of uncanny valley; it looks rubbery or plastic and I just couldn’t suspend my disbelief. I won’t say much, but the story is full of plot-holes.

Overall; a hugely disappointing film. Whilst partially entertaining at times, and an amazing score by Daft Punk; I couldn’t help but say to myself “is this the best they could come up with after 30 years?”. It feels more suitable than as a theme park ride than a movie.

3 stars!

By Owun Birkett

RED {Film Review}

Posted on by

Like perhaps many of you, I had seen the posters that have seemed to spring up almost overnight. The four vibrant faces of Bruce Willis, Helen Mirren, Morgan Freeman, and John Malkovich. The three big emblazoned letters RED, just inspires thoughts of an action movie that the entire world was waiting for. Encouraging you to think what a dynamic cocktail these actors could make.

Little wonder then that I entered the Cinema not quite sure what to expect. Sure I knew the history; RED is based on the three-issue comic book published by DC Comics and created by Warren Ellis and Cully Hamner. If you have seen comic book to movie conversions though you know as well as I do that it is very much a hit and miss affair how good or bad these movies end up.

“Red”, is derived from the stamp on agent Frank Moses’ (Bruce Willis) file, meaning “Retired, Extremely Dangerous” Frank Moses is a former black-ops CIA agent, now living a quiet life in retirement. However, lonely with retirement he strikes up a slightly somewhat odd relationship with a customer service worker at Frank’s pension office in Kansas City. However, the path of love is never smooth his quiet life of retirement is brought to an abrupt end when he is attacked by a hit squad in the middle of the night.

Frank takes on his assailants and, knowing whoever is after him would have tapped his phone, makes his way to Kansas City to both protect Sarah and also find out who is now after him.

So how does it all play out? Well in my opinion whilst enjoyable the film was a bit of a mixed bag for me. The problem is the genre has been played out so many times before and often with the same actors that I found it hard to get into the movie. To their credit the actors play their part admirably but to my taste I noticed a hint of laziness on more than a couple of occasions. The storyline does permit for some interesting twists with the characters – Helen Mirren as a hit woman turned lady of luxury, John Malkovich as an ex-agent who is now paranoid and always thinks that someone is watching him are great examples of character depth and do produce a chuckle here and a chuckle there. But it is hard to ignore that these are well established actors in their own right and you can’t help feeling that they are capable of doing so much more especially if they were allowed to explore their characters more.

However these might be viewed as minor criticisms as what this movie does well it does extremely well. Adapted for the big screen by brothers Erich and Jon Hoeber (who also wrote the adaptations of Whiteout and Alice) where they did manage to succeed is in the dry, witty humour and quick fire action. I also found the idea of an older operative who is set in his ways having to contend with younger and fit agents as well as new techniques and modern technology quite refreshing. Although, it must be said I saw Bruce Willis in this role in Die Hard 4.0 and it was much a similar vein and did so with more success.

So – my final verdict? If you get the opportunity and are stuck for a movie to go and see you could do worse, however don’t make this the top of your hit list.

By Junior Smart

Toy Story 3 Review by Catherine Balavage {Film}

Posted on by

Amazingly, Toy Story has been going since 1995. This means I was just a pup when the first one came out. Fifteen years later, Pixar’s brillance is still very much in evidence. The plot is good, the graphics are amazing and Toy story now comes in 3D.

When the film first came out Twitter and Facebook seemed full of grown men admitting they cried during the film. I didn’t cry but if you don’t feel something then you are not human. The story is one that will touch everyone. About growing up and moving on. Andy is all grown up and going to college. What will he do with his toys?

All the characters are as amazing as every. Tom Hanks is wonderful as Woody, who rescues the other toys. Toy Story 3 is clever, heart warming and heart rendering. An enthralling perfect animated film that I cannot praise enough. It may even be Pixar’s best movie.

Go. Take tissues.

Five stars.

Scott Pilgrim vs. The World by Owun Birkett {Film review}

Posted on by

Scott Pilgrim has a mix bag of genres. It’s a comic book movie, it’s an action movie, it’s a martial arts movie, it’s a comedy, it’s a romance, it’s a teen flick etc. But it surprisingly all blends well together! Being Edgar Wright’s first American film, he delivers all the goods and exceeds them.

The movie is based on a series of graphic novels by Bryan Lee O’Malley, about a Canadian slacker (Scott Pilgrim) who’s unemployed and plays in a band called Sex Bo-omb (Super Mario Bros. reference) but then falls in love with an American mystery girl (Ramona Flowers) who works for Amazon.ca. He later on finds out, unexpectedly, that Ramona has 7 evil ex’s and he must defeat them in order to go out with her. The idea sounds incredibly silly, but it works for the comic book material. As part of Wright’s trademark, this movie contains cultural references (in this case, 8-bit video games and video games in general). Though you don’t have to be a fan of video games to appreciate this film, it has enough to please anyone. It has a fluid pacing, giving us time to breathe after each fight with some intimate drama between Scott and Ramona. The fact that Wright compact 6 volumes into a 2 hour movie is incredible, never once where you got lost with the plot or the characters. That’s what I call an achievement, and therefore consider this as one of the best graphic novel adaptations ever made.

The casting is top-notch, not one thing do I have a complaint. Michael Cera kind of goes against his type-cast roles, he’s sentimental but he’s also an asshole at times. Though it’s a story of evolving and taking responsibility. Slowly bringing a resolution to the climax and thus brings a revelation to not only for Scott but everyone else. Mary Elizabeth Winstead is sweet and sympathetic, and makes the character interesting and have some back history (especially with her previous relationships). The seven evil ex’s, including Chris Evans and Brandon Routh, pretty much steal the show. You want to know more about them, but we’re given enough to what is already shown. They deliver comic timing perfectly, all credit to the acting/writing/direction. The rest of the cast all do really good jobs, newcomer Ellen Wong as Knives Chau really shines and did remarkably well.

The visual effects and action sequences are astounding, and extremely well done. This has so much vibe and energy, the fight choreography is very exciting to watch. Without becoming a repetition, every fight is different to each ex Scott goes against. As examples; Matthew Patel (Satya Bhabha) does in a style of a Bollywood dance-off at one point, and Todd Ingram (Brandon Routh) duels Scott in the style of Guitar Hero (through my eyes, at least). It’s a mix with real-life drama and fantasy action you’d expect in a video game.

I cannot help but compare to this film to Juno. It’s a teen movie, but it has more depth and intelligence than your average teen flick nowadays. Edgar Wright delivers drama that is touching, sweet but also funny. This is his most ambitious movie he’s made yet, and looking forward to what he’ll do next. Easily one of the best movies of 2010.

Side-note: The fact this is a box-office dud in the USA is shocking. What more do they want?

The Karate Kid review by Junior Smart {Film}

Posted on by

The 1984 coming-of-age film comes of age with a modest makeover with solid characters and fluid performances that exceed your expectations. The Karate Kid, also known as The Kung Fu Dream in China, and Best Kid in Japan and South Korea, is a 2010 martial arts remake of the 1984 film of the same name.

Although Karate Kid has numerous differences to the original (for example the chief location is now china instead of Los Angeles and the lead protagonist is much younger and also an Afro-American). The significant core values and the spirit of the original plot remain. A bullied youth learns to stand up for himself with the help of an eccentric mentor and through the discipline of martial arts learns the value of respect, honour, friendship and love.

The film was directed by Harald Zwart and produced by Will and Jada Pinkett Smith and stars none other than his son Jaden Smith as the lead character Dre Parker. Jaden Smith looks good, moves like magic on the screen and strikes just the right amount of balance between inquisitiveness and annoyance. Moving from Detroit to china with his mother Dre finds himself out of his depth and struggling with issues of acceptance he falls foul of the school bully; an encounter that will change his life forever.

Jackie Chan plays Mr. Han, the apartment’s maintenance man with hidden skills in kung fu who takes a curious interest in Dre and then takes him under his wing. Chan is exceptional as usual; if memory serves me correctly I don’t think I have witnessed such a martial arts master who has appealed so much to as many generations as himself. I believe at one stage he even had a cartoon series, so just knowledge of his track record makes him immediately likeable and credible in his part. There is some on screen chemistry between Dre and Han that creates expected warm fuzzy feelings and it serves its purpose in driving the story forward. Whilst the movie goes a long way to developing the characters it is perhaps not as impressive or immersive as some other films of this genre yet it does meet its objective.

Filmed in china the film makers wisely decided to cash in on the rich history of the geographical location. There are some lovely shots of mountains, monks training and great walls of china and often lots of history is revealed to the audience as well as the relevant discipline there to be learned by Dre.

One of the core strengths of this film is the characterisation. Being a remake this film could easily fail short in viewer’s expectations by allowing itself to be compared too easily to what is now regarded as a masterpiece. However watching this film you get the feeling that what they tried to do was compliment the original film rather than replace it. As such it stands up as a feel good fight movie in its own right. The fight sequences are well choreographed and much grittier than the original. You can visualise Will Smith wanting to be there in person to support his son through the rough and tumble parts of the filmmaking process because there are some solid blows in the fight sequences that make you wince. And there is something that has to be said for a 12 year old that can make a Kung Fu combat sequence believable. You have to admire the child’s flexibility and courage and if anything you feel more on his side because you know what he is up against. There are also some nice nods to the original film for example in one scene Dre walks in on Mr. Han trying to catch a fly with chopsticks which after a few attempts Chan’s character ends up swatting it against a wall with a modern fly swatter.

In conclusion fantastic performances and a strong script bring this rendition of Karate Kid bang up to date. Lets face it this is the kind of films that you need in the summer season, it has good values and is great fun for all the family.

The A Team review by Junior Smart {Film}

Posted on by

Bet you didn’t know that “Hannibal” Smith loves it when a plan comes together. Almost every single middle aged person on the planet knows those words and the theme tune that it almost instantaneously brings to mind and what it means. The A-Team was an iconic Saturday morning show of the 80’s, and brings back lucid memories of ‘family time’ huddled round the TV set and school playgrounds where every kid would pretend to be in the van and involved in epic shoot-outs. It is also the latest film to get the movie update treatment by film studios that seem to be fast running out of original material and are looking to entice film going audiences back into the cinema.

I would have loved to have seen the CEO of 20th Century Fox’s face of when they brought this plan to the table. You can almost hear his words ‘What – you only want to bring the biggest TV show of all time to the big screen? – Are you for real? Damn we better get this one right – if we screw this one up even my grand kids grand kids won’t forgive me!!! Hell – let’s go ahead but let’s throw the kitchen sink at it!’

Bringing this to the screen was either going to be hit – or a miss and they knew there was going to be no second chances, no reboot in five years time, no nothing. Screw up on any aspect, have the wrong actors, have a crap script and you can forget it. Little wonder then that the film was in development since the mid 1990s, having gone through numerous writers and story ideas, being put on hold numerous times. In the end the film was directed by the accomplished Joe Carnahan and produced by Stephen J. Cannell, and legendary brothers Ridley and Tony Scott. This talented group act almost like an A-Team in their own right and bring the story bang up to date with enthusiasm.

The story follows the principle of the original series. For those of you who didn’t know The A-Team are a crack group of soldiers who go on the run after being framed for a ‘crime that they did not commit’ who now exist as soldiers of fortune… The movie belts along at a cracking pace but with a few twists along the way and thoughtfully the directors decided to create the origin story for the first half of the movie. This I thought was a superb idea because at the very least it gives the action compulsion. By the end of the first half of the film you know why they are all together, and more importantly why B.A.Baracus ‘will not get on no plane’.

The actors’ success in portraying their characters is a major factor in the film’s triumph and is second only to the fantastic script. As an 80’s A-Team fan my initial apprehension was that this would be a shoddy remake that unfortunately we have become accustomed to over the past decade, with paper thin characters that not only did not look like their counterparts but were going to be unable to carry them. However Liam Neeson steps sturdily into the role of John “Hannibal” Smith. He breathes life into the guy with a smile yet plays him as an individual rather than try to imitate the now legendary role made famous by George Peppard. As a result you appreciate him far more. The same goes for the rest of the cast. Bradley Cooper as “Face” gives the character his own suave inventive spin and also worthy of note is Sharlto Copley as “Howling Mad” Murdock. He conveys the character as being genuinely off his head yet also a hotshot talented pilot and he creates some real laugh out loud moments.

You can tell that the entire cast fully enjoyed making this film because the level of authenticity in the camaraderie, as a result you feel for their disappointments and whoop for their success. Liam Neeson said in a recent interview that it was the script not memories of the 80’s show that made him sign on the dotted line and judging from the script who can blame him; the script is very strong. Indeed you could take the title away from this film and still have a great action movie in its own right. Yes it is clichéd, yes it action focused but it also fun and does definitely have a heart. For example B.A.Baracus (played by a very driven UFC Champion Quinton “Rampage” Jackson) ends up in jail he finds faith and decides that he doesn’t want to kill anymore. An interesting idea considered that he is a solider ‘of fortune’ and that their adversaries seem to stop at nothing until the A-Team is taken out of the picture for good. The rest of the team play out this potential ‘conflict of interest’ as great friendship in real life would allow and for me this is a nice touch on the 80’s series.

Just as good as the actors were those working behind the scenes with the special effects. Whilst there is nothing here that is ‘new’ so to speak, the film is big budget and well executed, some of the scenes are incredible if not totally unbelievable but still worth seeing. Want to see a tank fall out of a plane? It’s here. Want to see a helicopter take on missiles? It’s here. Want to see a twist of romance in the middle of breathtaking action? It’s here.
This story, complete with the performances in both acting and special effects is a powerful concoction especially for those in need of a testosterone built blockbuster of the summer. “Hannibal” Smith loves it when a plan comes together – Trust me by the time the credits roll – you will too.